Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Phoenix is 88% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,458/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 35%
$77,041/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 27%
$381,900 ↑ 192%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 66%
$1,430/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 35%
1,624,832
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $21,139/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Topeka — common questions

Is Phoenix or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Topeka?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Topeka?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $21,139/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Kansas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Topeka details →

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